DeSean Jackson, a name synonymous with electrifying speed and game-changing plays in the NFL, is poised to embark on a new chapter in his football journey. After a 15-year professional career marked by a Super Bowl victory, three Pro Bowl selections, and countless highlight-reel moments, Jackson is reportedly finalizing an agreement to become the next head coach of Delaware State University’s football program. This transition marks a return to his roots, fulfilling a long-held aspiration to lead a team at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Jackson’s move underscores a growing trend of former NFL stars transitioning into coaching roles at the collegiate level, injecting fresh perspectives and experiences into the landscape of college football.
Jackson’s path to Delaware State has been relatively swift. Retiring from the NFL after the 2023 season, he immediately immersed himself in coaching, serving as an assistant at Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach, California, throughout the 2024 season. This experience, while at the high school level, provided him with valuable hands-on coaching experience and solidified his desire to pursue a head coaching position. Now, he’s set to take the reins of a Hornets program that struggled in 2024, finishing with a 1-11 record. The challenge of rebuilding a program will undoubtedly test his coaching acumen, but Jackson’s passion for the game and his desire to mentor young athletes suggest he’s ready to embrace the task.
Jackson’s arrival at Delaware State places him within a growing fraternity of former NFL stars who have transitioned into college coaching roles. He joins the ranks of Michael Vick, another former Philadelphia Eagles standout, who accepted the head coaching position at Norfolk State University. Even more remarkably, Bill Belichick, a legendary NFL coach with a storied career primarily at the professional level, made the surprising move to become the head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, marking a significant departure from his established trajectory. Deion Sanders, another iconic NFL figure, further exemplifies this trend, having made a successful transition to college coaching, first at Jackson State and subsequently transforming the Colorado Buffaloes program.
This influx of former NFL players into the college coaching ranks signifies a shift in the dynamics of the sport. These coaches bring a unique blend of professional experience, playing expertise, and a deep understanding of the game’s intricacies. They can offer valuable insights into the demands of high-level competition, instilling a professional mindset within their college players. Moreover, their presence can elevate the profile of the programs they lead, attracting talented recruits and generating increased media attention. Jackson’s appointment at Delaware State is another example of this evolving landscape, and it will be intriguing to see how he shapes the program’s future.
Jackson’s NFL career was defined by his exceptional speed and game-breaking ability. He spent his prime years with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he earned all three of his Pro Bowl selections between 2008 and 2013. During his eight seasons with the Eagles, Jackson amassed an impressive 6,512 receiving yards and 35 touchdowns, consistently leaving opposing defenses bewildered by his explosive plays. One of the most iconic moments of his career came in the “Miracle at the Meadowlands II,” where he returned a punt for a touchdown as time expired against the New York Giants, completing a stunning comeback from a 21-point deficit.
Beyond his time in Philadelphia, Jackson also contributed to the Washington Commanders, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Rams, and Las Vegas Raiders before concluding his career with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023. Over his 15-year NFL journey, he accumulated a remarkable 11,263 receiving yards and 58 touchdowns, cementing his legacy as one of the most dynamic and exciting wide receivers of his era. Now, as he transitions to coaching, he carries this wealth of experience and a deep passion for the game, ready to impart his knowledge and inspire the next generation of football players at Delaware State.
